ABSTRACT

WHO's fight against tobacco produced a global legally binding Convention, while the fight against alcohol only offered non-binding recommendations aimed at reducing the harmful use of alcohol. WHO should consider the adoption of a legally binding Convention in fighting the harmful use of alcohol, giving it more authority in applying pressure on the national and international alcohol industries. In May 2005, in a resolution on 'Public Health Problems Caused by Harmful Use of Alcohol', the WHA noted the growing body of evidence of the effectiveness of strategies and measures aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm. On the basis of current scientific knowledge, among the recommended target areas it listed leadership, community action, drink-driving policies, availability of alcohol, marketing of alcoholic beverages, pricing policies, monitoring and surveillance. WHO has promoted the plain packaging of cigarettes, and has restrained the alcohol industry from offering 'innovative' products specifically addressed to young drinkers.